Nominee Rodney Scott emphasizes people, technology and infrastructure to 'secure the border' in Senate hearing

Rodney Scott told the Senate Finance Committee that his blueprint for Customs and Border Protection centers on people, technology and infrastructure as the path to stronger border security and smoother trade.

In his opening statement, Scott described a long career with the Border Patrol and said, "If confirmed, I will drive actions to ensure the CBP workforce has the training, resources, and the policies to excel in every aspect of the mission and to do so safely." He framed border security as national security and said he would "encourage innovation, modernize processes, and enhance efficiencies."

Why it matters: Senators from both parties stressed that CBP must simultaneously secure the border and facilitate lawful trade and travel. Several members pressed Scott for specifics about inspection technology, port infrastructure, staffing, and how to measure returns on investments.

Technolog…